London has something for everyone – from history buffs to nature lovers, art enthusiasts and foodies. It is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and a constant juxtaposition of history and contemporary society. Because of this, it can be overwhelming to put together a three day London itinerary and map out a long weekend that allows you to see it all.
London holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I spent a semester abroad as a wanderlust 20 year old, the city becoming the pearly white gates to the rest of the world. It’s where my husband – then boyfriend – and I went on our first big trip together, and where four years later he got on one knee beneath the backdrop of the Tower Bridge to propose.
Is Three Days in London Enough Time?
While I fully believe I could live a lifetime in London and never run out of neighborhoods, markets, or quick trips to explore, with some careful planning you can check off all the major sites with a smart three day London itinerary.
A long weekend in London is fully attainable, with direct flights from NYC clocking in at just seven hours. The red eye from the US will allow you to leave after work hours, and wake up in the UK. Plan around a three day weekend, or better yet – head across the pond for Thanksgiving to add built in days off and see the magic of London dressed up for Christmas.
How to Get to London
London’s Heathrow AIrport regularly ranks amongst the world’s most internationally connected airports. Heathrow is the easiest place to find a flight to, and conveniently connected to greater London with direct access to the Tube – more on that soon!
Lesser known Gatwick and Stansted are less accessible to the city through public transportation, but can often offer cheaper fares.
If you’re traveling from the UK or Europe, London is also highly connected through its railway. Trains from Paris will drop you at St Pancras, while trains from Edinburgh (and Hogwarts) will bring you to Kings Cross. These stations, and many others, offer connection points to the endless day trips around London.
When to Go to London for a Long Weekend
There isn’t a bad time to go to London, but my absolute favorite times to take a trip to London is fall, and Christmas. Okay, so Christmas isn’t an official season, but it might as well be in London. Autumn in London lasts from September to November, and will provide cozy vibes and foliage. November to December is magical, when store windows are adorned with holiday installations, and pop up markets line the streets, illuminated under twinkling lights.
How to Get Around London in Three Days
The first thing you should do upon arrival in London is purchase an Oyster Card. Your Oyster Card is your payment method for London’s public transportation. A play on the idiom that with this card, the world – or at least, greater London – will be your oyster.
You can also purchase an Oyster Card before you leave home through the VisitBritain Shop. It will be mailed to your home address fully activated and ready for use. Depending on how frequently you plan to use the Tube and buses, you can either pay as you go, or buy a three day travel card. The three day option is £25 and unlocks unlimited travel throughout central London, perfect for your three day London itinerary.
This card grants access to two key modes of transportation – the London Underground and the iconic red buses – and will be critical in reaching all the stops on our itinerary maps.
The easiest and most efficient way to get around London in three days is through the London Underground – better known as the Tube. Keep in mind you have to tap your Oyster Card when you enter and exit the Tube. Keep it on hand for the duration of your journey and please mind the gap. Sorry, I had to!
The red double decker buses provide more than a photo opp. They are a convenient link to all of the sites across the city.
If your legs are tired from a long day (and there will be many long days in this jam-packed London weekend itinerary!), I recommend hailing an iconic black taxi cab. You can trust you’re in good hands in a hackney carriage. The knowledge test required is world renowned as the hardest taxi knowledge test and often takes 3-4 years of studying.
The Perfect Three Day London Itinerary
Day One: Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, Westminster
After touching down, bleary-eyed from the red eye, some fresh air will do you good. This walking tour will take you past some of London’s most iconic landmarks.
Take the Circle or District Line to St James’s Park station for closest access to Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace
Our three day London tour begins at the legendary home of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace. Take a picture from outside the gates, and stick around to see the changing of the guards at 11am.
St James’s Park
From Buckingham Palace, follow the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk east along the Mall and into St James’s Park. Cross the bridge for a great shot of the London eye peering out above trees.
Churchill War Room
Hidden just off the park, beneath the streets of Westminster is the Churchill War Room. Now preserved into a museum, the War Room was formerly the secret subterranean bunker where British Prime Minister Winston Churchill lived and commanded the war effort during WWII. Due to its underground nature, it’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking. If you’re a history buff, it’s definitely worth a stop to be immersed in this wartime landmark.
Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament
From Churchill War Room, continue on to Parliament Square Garden. Straight ahead you’ll see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament; To your left, Westminster Abbey. The ultimate portrayal of the symbiotic nature of church and state within the country.
Gordon’s Wine Bar
From Westminster, wine wind down with a drink in the caved cellar of Gordon’s Wine Bar. It’s either a 15 minute walk, or one quick stop on the Circle and District lines to Embankment. Thought to be London’s oldest wine bar, enjoying a glass of wine in their candlelit cellars is a unique London experience to round out your first day.
Day Two: Borough Market, Tower of London, and Central London
One day two of your three day London itinerary, take the Circle or District line to the Tower Hill stop for a morning of history and afternoon sampling your way through Borough Market.
Tower of London & the Crown Jewels
Experience living history as you walk through the 1000s year old towers and uncover its dark past. Go early, and buy your tickets in advance. To avoid the afternoon queue, make the Crown Jewels your first stop at the Tower.
Although now a retired fortress, the tower still houses and protects the Crown Jewels, a collection of ceremonial pieces like gem-crusted crowns and swords – regalia that will be used for the royal coronation this May. Be on the lookout for the Cullinan Diamond. This largest diamond ever found clocks in at 3,106 carats, making it hard to miss.
Tower Bridge
The most iconic way to cross the Thames and continue on towards Borough Market is over the most famous drawbridge in the world. Take a casual stroll across, or buy tickets here for a guided tour into its towers.
A Drink with a View (Choose Your Own Adventure!)
This is where our path diverges into a tale of two views: Top of the Shard or Sky Garden. Both are within a 15 minute walk of the Tower Bridge. The Shard is an easy stop between Borough Market and the Tower of London, while the Sky Gardens are an easy add on on the other side of the Tower of London. One key difference? The Sky Garden is free!
St Dunstan in the East & Leadenhall Market
Although maybe not destinations in their own right on a quick weekend in London, these two are worth a stop if you’re on your way to the Sky Garden. Leadenhall is a Victorian indoor mall that dates back to 1445, and served as inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley.
St Dunstan in the East was once a church, built in 1100. After being rebuilt following the Great Fire of London in 1666, it was severely damaged by the Blitz of 1941 and never rebuilt. Today, its overgrown garden has taken over what’s left of the structure, turning this into a secret garden, tucked away in the middle of the city.
If you’re spending a long weekend in London this fall, St Dunstan is a great spot to peep foliage.
Borough Market
At this point, basically everything in this post is “over 1000 years old” and that holds true for Borough Market as well. Today, it’s a mecca for foodies with over 100 stalls and restaurants. Borough Market is a can’t miss for your weekend in London. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to paella, olive oils and truffles, and chocolate covered everything. In fact, we were late to the spot that my now-fiance proposed at because I just had to wait in line to try Richard Haward’s Oysters. How was I supposed to know we had places to be?!
Pro Tip: Forget the “Mind the Gap” crap you’ll find in vendor stands lining most tourist attractions, and opt to bring loved ones an edible souvenir from Borough Market.
Dinner & a Show
London’s West End is equivalent to Broadway in New York. Buy tickets in advance through the official London Theater website.
Covent Garden is a short walk from most of the theater district, and a great spot to grab a bite before or after a show. My favorites are Clos Maggiore for special occasions and Barrafina for a casual counter scene with high end food. Be sure to make reservations far in advance for either. Circolo Popolare is another option with 10/10 ambiance close to most theaters.
Day Three: Hyde Park, Markets and Museums
Your final day of your three day London itinerary will take you on a tour through two of my favorite neighborhoods in London: Kensington and Notting Hill. I may be partial to Kensington as it’s where I lived for six months, but nonetheless, an area you shouldn’t skip out on. To start your day in Notting Hill, take the Central, Circle, or District line to Notting Hill Gate.
Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market
Notting Hill is more than the backdrop of the 1999 romantic comedy by the same name. This charming London neighborhood is lined with rows of pastel houses, and home to the famous Portobello Road Market, an infamous part-antique, part-everything else street market that takes over Portobello Road most days.
The market is closed on Sundays, so plan your three day London itinerary to visit Hotting Hill on a Friday or Saturday, when the most vendors are there and the market is in full swing.
A Drink (or Lunch!) at Churchill Arms
Churchill Arms is one of the most photographed pubs in London, for obvious reasons. Venture inside, and beyond the characteristic dark wood and trinket-lined ceiling, you’ll find amazing Thai food served in what feels like a secret garden.
Bike through Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Hop on a Boris Bike, formally known as Santander Cycles, from any station and head towards the park. Bike past Serpentine Lake, the Albert Memorial, and the Rose Garden. Hop off and spend some time walking around Kensington Gardens, just off the palace. When you’re ready to trade your wheels in, dock anywhere near Exhibition Road and Royal Albert Hall.
Museums of South Kensington
South Kensington is home to many amazing – and free! – museums. My favorite is the Victoria and Albert Museum, but the Natural History and Science Museums are close seconds. The V&A has its fair share of art galleries, but what sets it apart is a unique focus on fashion and jewelry. There will often be special exhibitions celebrating a unique element of fashion. The Natural History Museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in London, and is worth a stop just to check out the architecture itself during your three day London itinerary.
Just down Exhibition Road you’ll also find Royal Albert Hall, London’s most distinct music venue.
Dinner at Da Mario
Da Mario is a bit off-the-radar with museum-dwellers given its location, but is an essential London spot for classic Italian fare. Take a 15 minute walk down Gloucester Road, and you’ll find Da Mario nestled on the corner of the distinguishable white row houses of Kensington. On your way in, you’ll see Princess Diana’s name etched in the stone steps, a nod to their past patron, who used to frequent the restaurant with William and Harry.
Bonus Day: Camden Market, Primrose Hill, and Hampstead
If you’re fortunate enough to have a late flight out, or can squeeze in a 4 day London itinerary, take the Northern line to the Camden Town or Chalk Farm stop to explore Camden.
Camden Market
Camden Market is the most distinguishable attraction of the eclectic neighborhood of Camden. It consists of few markets with their own distinct characteristics. Camden Stables is one of my favorites, and it’s easy to see where it gets its name. Stables market has rejuvenated what was once a massive horse stable and adjacent horse hospital.
Walk along Regent’s Canal, and check out some of the food vendors.
Regent Park & Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is the perfect Sunday morning spot on your three day London itinerary. If you’re a morning person, I’ve heard sunrises here are amazing. After hiking up the hill (yes, it is literally a giant hill), make a pit stop for brunch before continuing on past the colorful houses tucked away on Chalcot Crescent.
Detour option: If you’re a Beatles fan and want a photo crossing Abbey Road, you’re not far from that spot here.
Hampstead & Hampstead Heath
Hampstead is slightly off the beaten path of most tourist agendas, but a great addition to your three day London itinerary if you have an extra afternoon. The neighborhood is a storybook village lined with local shops, cozy pubs, and the most delicious crepe stand, La Crêperie de Hampstead.
The Heath is just that; a heath. Which, according to the dictionary means “an area of open uncultivated land, especially in Britain.” For argument’s sake, let’s call it a large park.
The Crown Jewel of the heath (see what I did there?!) is the enchanting Hill Garden and Pergola.
Morning in Soho
Alternatively, if you only have a quick morning to get your final fix of the city, head to Soho to grab breakfast at Bread Ahead or take coffee to go from Flat White. Aimlessly explore the neighborhood and get lost down Carnaby Street. Potter fans should pop into the House of Minalima for any last minute souvenirs from the design house behind the films’ graphics and props.
Something missing from our three day London itinerary maps? Comment below with your favorite ways to spend a long weekend in London.